Zelenskyy says Russia will step up pressure on maritime grain corridor

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the Russians are doing everything they can to block the grain corridor for Ukraine.

Source: Ukrainian media outlet TSN

Details: "We understood this several months ago. They [Russian forces – ed.] will do everything to block our 'grain corridor' for us," Zelenskyy said during a press conference.

"You know that yesterday not a single vessel was able to enter port, they were attacking all the vessels. They will step this up," the president added.

Background:

• As of 23 July, inbound vessel traffic to Ukraine's Black Sea ports has been suspended due to the threat of Russian attacks.
• Maersk is suspending its services at a Black Sea port due to intensified Russian strikes on port infrastructure.
• The intensification of Russian attacks on vessels has prompted some shipowners to refrain from calling at Ukrainian ports: they are reviewing freight agreements or cancelling bookings.
• In the first half of 2026, Ukrainian seaports handled 42.4 million tonnes of cargo despite Russian attacks, which have become more intense in July.
• The Ukrainian Agri Council reported that the country has lost around a third of its grain export capacity through its key Black Sea ports due to intensified Russian attacks.

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